Rob Ford crack video scandal makes headlines around the world

Media in Canada and around the world rushed to cover Toronto today after a video allegedly showing Mayor Rob Ford smoking crack cocaine, which he had previously denied existed, was revealed to be now in police hands.

The video was recovered by police after an investigation that led to a number of gang-related arrests in June and the arrest of the mayor's friend Alexander "Sandro" Lisi on an extortion charge earlier this month.

The news spread quickly out of Toronto, beyond Canada, and around the world.

Canadian police say they have recovered video which appears to show Toronto Mayor #RobFord using crack cocaineBBC Breaking News

Toronto Star reporters Robyn Doolittle and Kevin Donovan previously reported that the video, which was shown to them by someone looking to sell it, appeared to show Ford smoking crack cocaine. U.S. news and gossip website Gawker also reported a similar version of events.

"I think it's fair to say that the mayor does appear in that video, but I'm not going to get into the detail of what activity is depicted on that video," said Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair in a press conference today.

"We have recovered a digital video file that is consistent with what has been described in media reports." - Bill Blair #topoliCBC Toronto

Chief Blair will not reveal what is in the video. "We've done our job here."CBC Toronto

Blair's demeanour at the news conference was unmistakable.

bill blair is giving serious Disappointed Dad faceSarah MacDonald

Man, the I'm-not-upset-I'm-disappointed line is a dad classic. Bill Blair is Rob Ford's dad today.Kaiko

@TOMayorFord may not be trouble for allegedly using drugs, but for telling public he didn't. #TOpoli #sljohn lancaster

Canadians are reeling from the news and wondering when they might be able to see the video in question or at least get some answers on what happens next to Ford.

@CBCToronto BIG disappointment. BIG embarrassment. It doesn't stop. Mayor of BIG city of #Toronto has no control.Jocey de La Fontaine

I hope this means @TOMayorFord gets booted. Stop embarrassing my city RT @CBCToronto Blair is disappointed as a citizen of Toronto. #topoliJen

Please Rob Ford, save us some money and just resign at this point. You're done.Kris Johnson

However, even with Toronto Police making an official announcement, not everyone has left the Ford bandwagon. Rachel Mendleson is a Toronto Star reporter:

My taxi driver thinks the police are out to get ford. Still.Rachel Mendleson

I still support the mayor no one is perfect and he will learn how serious his position is #RobFordNahshon Immanuel

Refuse to judge and put Rob Ford to trial by media or public opinion. Innocent until proven otherwise. We have a system to support that.Joshua McNamara

First politician w/ guts to get up in front of a camera and say, 'Enough's enough. He must leave immediately,' gets to be the next mayor.cathalkelly

Other writers from various publications also shared their excitement -- and disbelief.

Might we put an end to the notion that this was a "media conspiracy" now? #RobFord #video #Torontojian ghomeshi

Can only imagine look on the face of Toronto Police IT guy when he pulled up that deleted file. #fordDiana Swain

I feel more emotional and optimistic about journalism now than during any episode of The Newsroom.Rhiannon Russell

I'm floating like that kid after the dentist, pondering if this is real life.Jonathan Goldsbie

Former Star editor Graham Parley added his voice to the mix, sparking comments from Canadians who were still not impressed by the media's role in the Rob Ford crack scandal.

Rarely in journalism is vindication so loud and clear. Journalism was on trial in the Rob Ford case and it won. #TOpoliGraham Parley

@grahamparley still not a fan of thestarCampaspe

@grahamparley how does journalism win? What a warped opinion! Make unsubstantiated allegations& then get the facts later? Apropos scary! SadrJr

Though the allegations against Ford are serious, snark was out in full force on Twitter.

BREAKING: Rob Ford resigns from office, is appointed to senate. #TOpoli #cdnpoliBrad Dunne

sounds like the writers are really tying everything together for the season finale of TorontoGrisly Candle

Comment on our Rob Ford story: "Mayor Rob Ford says he cannot comment on a police chief he has never seen, or does not exist".Liam Casey

I can't think of the last time the Leafs were six games above .500 but weren't the biggest headline in Toronto.Steve Dangle Glynn

This animated GIF was also being shared online. It shows a scene from movie Resident Evil: Apocalypse in which a bomb destroys city hall in Raccoon City, a location in the series. Toronto's City Hall is the building that stands in for the CGI explosion.

BREAKING: this gif. (again) http://bit.ly/VgaGoKMatt Elliott

Mattelliott

Isn't it about time for Doug Ford to publicly announce he's never met Rob Ford? #TOpoliNeonNazgul

I suppose Rob Ford's annual fishing trip with PM Harper isn't on the agenda next year.Will

I really wish more journalists dressed up for Halloween. It would have made today's live coverage that much better.Jeff Green

What's your take on this breaking news? Do you support Ford? Share your thoughts below.

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